The youngest generation of active consumers is transforming everything from fashion to sustainability. Are we witnessing the birth of a new eco lifestyle?
A study by Masdar surveyed over 5,000 members of Gen Z across the Middle East & North Africa, sub-Saharan Africa, the Americas, Europe and Asia.
Forty percent think climate change is the world’s greatest challenge.
The Eco Lifestyle in Context
Living sustainability and ethically is the fashionable thing to do for this generation. They want stronger attitudes towards environmentalism than any previous generation.
But this doesn’t only apply to government.
Some other key areas Gen Z applies its ethical standards are with consumerism, energy, and corporations.
We’ll observe some trends in these areas. This article will provide a better understanding of Gen Z behaviors in context.
Ethics Meets the Runway
For decades, fashion has been focused on decadence and the “unreachable.”
Draped animal carcasses were once a high-end fashion statement. What’s more, some of the world’s most historic brands sold clothes that were produced unethically.
Even as children, the world could keep no secrets from Gen Z.
Now, niche fashion brands are successfully targeting Gen Z.
Their selling point? Sustainability. That’s something “unreachable” by most global fashion brands.
For example, Reformation is an ethical clothing company. Founder Yael Aflalo saw the horrors of textile and clothing manufacturing on a trip to China. At the time, there were very few resources for attractive sustainable clothes.
Aflalo will soon break into dresses, weddings, jeans, and swimwear. The company has hundreds of thousands of followers on Instagram.
Many of them are celebrities.
Economists envision a future of environmentally safe products in all industries.
Government policy might contribute to that future.
Personal tastes of the newest consumers will take the lead.
Action for a Sustainable Future
The sustainable energy movement took off at the start of Millennial adulthood.
Now, millions of Americans live in homes at least partially powered by sustainable energy. However, for the largest working generation, obstacles stand in the way of progress.
Gen Z will become the driving force behind ethical energy consumption.
They have already adopted sustainability as part of their eco lifestyle. As Millennials take on leadership roles, their Gen Z constituency will move Millennials’ policies on sustainability forward.
That’s because 84% of Gen Z in 20 countries expects more government investment in renewable energy.
What Companies and Governments Can Do
Masdar reports that 81% of Gen Z across 20 countries think government and the private sector share responsibility for developing clean technology.
Gen Z will develop as both consumers and voters.
As very young adults already practicing an eco lifestyle, government and corporate leaders must anticipate those tendencies to grow into adulthood.
Additionally, Gen Z is the most connected generation of all time. They’ve had digital access to the world’s information since birth.
Corporations will not be able to hide unethical behavior.
Soon, companies’ ethical practices will draw customers. This will extend into other companies with whom those companies do business. Third-parties that put ethical standards at the forefront will gain preference. Visit ACE Cleaning Systems at www.acecleaningsystems.com as an example.
Elections will be won based on the truth available in millions of news websites, forums, and fact checkers.
The world will have it’s eco revolution thanks to Generation Z.
Join the Revolution
Interested in healthy living, green transportation, outdoor life, and others?
Adopt an eco lifestyle with NuEnergy.
